President Pranab Mukherjee today lauded the Indian cricket team for its brave showing despite being knocked out by Australia in the semifinals of the World Cup in Sydney.
India's near flawless title defence came to an agonising end today as they succumbed to pressure against the clinical Australians, who decimated the defending champions by 95 runs to romp into the finals and break a million Indian hearts.
"Well played Team India, better luck for the next World Cup; Congratulations Australia on an excellent game,! Mukherjee wrote on his twitter handle.
In an engrossing semifinal clash, four-time champions Australia rode on Steve Smith's classy 105 to post an imposing 328/7 before bundling out India for 233 in 46.5 overs to set up a summit clash with trans-Tasmanian rivals and co-hosts New Zealand in Melbourne on Sunday.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, too, supported the team.
"Team India had worked real hard. They played quality game today," Sonowal said.
